Cabbies Take Home Drunk Drivers In Their Own Cars “Operation Red Nose”

A new experiment in the New York City area may have kept people safer over the holidays. The New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers announced a pilot program in which taxi drivers will make sure both you and your car get home safely if you’ve had one drink too many. The initiative is the brainchild of Fernando Mateo of the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers. The purpose of the driver trailing the car in a cab is to transport the cabbie driving the passenger’s car once the ride is over. The service typically costs about $50, but the increase is a small price to pay for safety and peace of mind. Now that the pilot program is over, Mateo says he will see if it’s something that can be offered throughout the year and perhaps expanded to other major cities across the country. Those who wish to participate should call (212) 926-1111 and tell the operator they want to do “Operation Red Nose,” : LINK